Just prior to Thanksgiving, Prep Baseball Report released the Updated Overall 2019 Rankings.  With the PBR map continuing to expand, the “boots on the ground” philosophy in each state allows PBR to have a great grasp on the top players.  North Carolina is well represented in the updated rankings with 17 players from making the list that was expanded to 400 players. 

Brennan Malone (RHP, Porter Ridge HS) and Chris Villaman (LHP, Ledford HS) lead the North Carolina contingent at No. 7 and No. 9 respectively.  Malone, a UNC commit, continues to mature and has flashed his fastball up to 94 in front of PBR staff members.  Villaman, committed to the Wolfpack of NC State, has a huge upside with an athletic frame.  The fastball has peaked at 93 and the breaking ball is beginning to mature into a pitch that can get swing and miss against advanced hitters.  Both pitchers came up big in national environments this fall, separating themselves from the rest of the pack.